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Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule WM-20-20 to revise NR 10 relating to establishing the 2021 migratory bird season framework and regulations. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on WM-20-20 at the time and virtual location shown below.
Hearing Information
Date: September 29, 2021    
Time:   1:00 p.m.  
Virtual Location Link: Join Skype Meeting
Rule Information:
This rule adjusts migratory game bird seasons and regulations for 2021 to be consistent with the federal framework for the Mississippi Flyway, current biological information and public input. In general, season frameworks for migratory birds in 2021 are identical to those implemented for 2020. There are two exceptions.
This rule adjusts migratory game bird zone configurations. In 2020, the Department gathered public input regarding the reconfiguration of these zones. Public input favored the creation of a new Open Water Zone to allow hunters to take advantage of unique late season opportunities which exist in open waters (waters greater than 500 feet offshore) of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. The creation of this new zone would result in the elimination of the Mississippi Zone. Based on federal deadlines requiring the Department to provide its zone configurations for 2021 prior to this rule being presented for adoption, the Department presented to this proposal to the Natural Resources Board for preliminary approval in April of 2020. The Board approved of the new zone configuration, with recognition that the changes would be included in this rule-making and would not go into effect until the 2021 migratory bird season.
This rule also implements a daily bag limit of 5 Canada geese per day during the “Holiday Hunt” that is offered from December 20 – January 4 in the South Zone. This change responds to public support favoring an increased bag limit during this time.
This rule additionally continues several changes that were in place for 2020, including an earlier duck season start date in the North Zone, a restricted daily bag limit for scaup with dates updated to reflect the 2021 calendar, and an increase in the hen mallard bag limit. These changes were implemented in 2020 based on public support, which continues in 2021.
Accessibility
For the hearing or visually impaired, non-English speakers, or those with other personal circumstances which might make communication at the meeting/hearing difficult, DNR will, to the maximum extent possible and with reasonable advance notice, provide aids including an interpreter, or a non-English, large-print, or recorded version of hearing documents. To access these resources, please contact the email address or phone number listed below as soon as possible.
Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments
The public has the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Registration will take place at the hearing by completing a Hearing Appearance form, which is available here. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to provide spoken comments during the hearing. To pre-register, please download and complete the fillable Hearing Appearance form and send it to scottr.karel@wisconsin.gov
Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before September 29, 2021. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Scott Karel
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
The rule may be reviewed and comments made at:
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: No effects on small businesses, their associations, or local governments are anticipated. The department does not anticipate any fiscal impacts as a result of these rules. Following is the department’s preliminary analysis.
Economic Impact
Because the hunting season framework proposed in this rule will be very similar to those in place during previous seasons, no economic impacts are anticipated. We do not anticipate that these rules will result in changes in the activities of migratory bird hunters, their expenditures, and the related economic activity. These rules are applicable to individual hunters and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small business, nor are any design or operational standards contained in the rule.
Fiscal Impact
The department anticipates no fiscal impact resulting from these rules. The department currently annually conducts a number of activities related to migratory bird hunting such as managing department lands, selling licenses, providing law enforcement services, and surveys and related research. The department will continue to conduct the same activities under the season framework proposed in this rule and does not anticipate any new or reduced expenditures.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
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